The recently concluded Insurance Media Literacy Workshop at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, brought together key industry leaders and media professionals to strengthen the relationship between Uganda’s insurance industry and the media. The event aimed to equip journalists with the technical insights needed to accurately report on insurance, fostering transparency, trust, and growth in an evolving business landscape.
Our CEO - Jonan Kisakye, in his opening remarks highlighted the critical role of the media in disseminating insurance information in a media environment that’s evolving at break-neck speed. Jonan referred to the media as not only a messenger but also, a force that shapes public opinion and holds the insurance sector accountable. This, he emphasized, was essential for the industry's resilience & growth.
The workshop was organized to foster dialogue with the media and demystify insurance to both media professionals and the general public. Jonan’s emphasis of the media’s role was more than a mere acknowledgment; it was an invitation to the media to become active participants in the narrative of insurance, not just as observers but as influencers who can drive understanding and trust of insurance to the public.
Alhaj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) commended the media for their accurate portrayal of the insurance industry. He spoke candidly about the hurdles the sector faces, which include low awareness, persistent misconceptions, and the struggle for market penetration. He however pointed out the industry’s undeniable strength and resilience, marked by a steady 12% growth rate over the past decade and the expansion of microinsurance products aimed at low-income populations. Alhaj Kaddunabbi’s speech carried a tone of optimism, but also a stern reminder of the need for continuous focus on risk management, audit, compliance, transparency, and full disclosure. These, he argued, were not just boxes to be ticked but the very foundations upon which innovation, investment, and consumer trust could be built.
Rita Kabayiza Mutesi - Vice Chairperson of the Insurance Brokers Association Uganda (IBAU), urged the members of the 4th estate to embrace insurance not just as a topic to report on, but as a personal safeguard for peace of mind. Rita broke down the role of insurance brokers into digestible stages; pre-placement, placement, and post-placement demystifying the process and highlighting that broker services come at no extra cost to clients. Her conclusion was a powerful endorsement of the insurance broker’s role, underscoring their expertise in negotiation and their commitment to ensuring timely claims payments.
Jonan presented on the dynamic evolution of the insurance industry painting a picture of resilience and progress while expressing the sector’s commitment to making significant impact. Jonan elaborated on the Uganda Insurers Association’s (UIA) mandate, detailing the broader economic contributions of its members, from capital market development to tax contributions and beyond. While addressing the challenges that still loom large over the sector, he urged government to support the industry’s growth. In his final marks, he urged the media to provide well-researched, balanced coverage, to verify information rigorously, and to build strong connections with industry sources.
Other speakers of the workshop were Saul Seremba, Principal of the Insurance Training College who highlighted the college's dedication to enhancing public insurance knowledge through training, certification, and stakeholder engagement. Since 2015, the college has graduated over 6,000 students, each contributing to a competent and ethical insurance workforce. Abubaker Semambo, Chairman of the Uganda Association of External Valuers and Loss Adjusters (UAEVLA), emphasized the critical role of Loss Assessors and Adjusters. His insights underlined their meticulous work in guiding clients through complex claims, ensuring accurate valuations, and highlighted the insurance sector's dual focus on prevention and protection against potential disasters. Sylvia Mwebesa Kajubi - Deputy Principal of the Insurance Training College, outlined the expectations for insurance agents, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards and continuous education.
The Insurance Media Literacy Workshop marked a landmark step in strengthening the partnership between the media and the insurance industry. It underscored a shared commitment to transparency, ethical standards, and informed public engagement. By fostering collaboration, the workshop laid the groundwork for a more resilient insurance sector, driven by a media that plays an active role in shaping the industry’s future. This is meant to build public trust which is critical to the continued growth of the insurance industry.
